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Frequently Asked Questions

LED Lighting FAQ

Expert answers to common questions about LED strip lights, neon flex lighting, architectural lighting solutions, and OEM/ODM manufacturing — from Mihoray, a China-based LED lighting manufacturer.

LED Strip

What Is COB LED Strip?
COB (Chip on Board) LED strip places LED chips directly on the PCB substrate to create a continuous, dot-free light line — ideal for architectural coves and premium interior lighting.
COB LED strip is a type of flexible LED lighting that embeds hundreds of tiny LED chips directly onto the flexible PCB substrate, covered by a phosphor coating. Unlike traditional SMD strips where individual LED packages create visible dots, COB technology produces a smooth, continuous light line without pixelation. Typical LED density ranges from 320 to 720 chips per meter. COB strips are preferred for hotel cove lighting, retail displays, and any application where the lighting is viewed at close range (under 1.5 meters). Mihoray manufactures COB LED strips with CRI ≥90, 24V architecture, and multiple CCT options from 2700K to 6500K.
How Long Does LED Strip Last?
Quality LED strips have a rated lifespan of 50,000 hours (L70), which equals approximately 11 years at 12 hours daily operation.
LED strip lifespan is measured by L70 lumen maintenance — the point at which light output drops to 70% of initial brightness. High-quality LED strips from manufacturers like Mihoray are rated at 50,000 hours L70, equivalent to approximately 11.4 years at 12 hours per day operation, or 5.7 years at 24-hour continuous operation. Factors affecting actual lifespan include: operating temperature (lower is better), driver quality, installation thermal management (aluminum profiles extend life), and power supply stability. For architectural projects, Mihoray recommends aluminum profile mounting for improved heat dissipation and extended LED life.
Which LED Strip Is Better for Hotels?
COB LED strips with CRI ≥90, 3000K warm white, 24V input, and DALI-compatible dimming are recommended for premium hotel lighting applications.
For hotel lighting, the recommended specification is: COB LED strip for dot-free uniformity, CRI ≥90 for accurate color rendering of skin tones and materials, CCT 2700K-3000K for warm hospitality atmosphere, 24V input voltage for long run lengths (8-10m per feed), and compatibility with DALI or 0-10V dimming systems used in hotel room management. Power density of 9.6-14.4W/m is typical for cove applications. Mihoray has supplied LED strip lighting for multiple hotel projects including the Chengdu Sheraton, providing matched driver packages, engineering samples, and batch-level CCT consistency documentation for procurement teams.
What Is the Difference Between 12V and 24V LED Strip?
24V strips allow longer runs (8-10m) with less voltage drop, while 12V strips offer shorter cutting intervals (25mm) for tight curves and short installations.
The voltage determines the electrical architecture of the LED strip. 12V strips connect 3 LEDs in series per cutting segment, allowing cuts every 25mm — ideal for tight curves and short runs under 5 meters. 24V strips connect 6 LEDs in series, with 50mm cutting intervals and maximum runs of 8-10 meters before significant voltage drop. For architectural projects, 24V is preferred because it delivers the same power at half the current, resulting in 75% less voltage drop over equivalent distances. Mihoray supplies both 12V and 24V strips with engineering support for run-length calculations and power injection planning.
What Is the Difference Between RGB and RGBW LED Strip?
RGBW adds a dedicated white LED chip to the RGB color channels, providing both vibrant color effects and high-quality white light (CRI ≥80) from a single strip.
RGB LED strips mix red, green, and blue to create colors but produce poor-quality white light (bluish tone, CRI <50). RGBW strips add a dedicated white channel with proper phosphor coating, delivering true white light at CRI ≥80 alongside full color mixing capability. For projects requiring both ambient white lighting and occasional color effects (hotels, restaurants, commercial lobbies), RGBW eliminates the need for separate white and color strip installations. Mihoray manufactures RGBW strips with 3000K or 4000K white channels and DMX512 4-channel control compatibility.

Neon Flex

What Is Neon Flex Lighting?
Neon flex is a flexible LED light enclosed in silicone or PVC housing that creates a continuous glow line, replacing traditional glass neon with improved safety, durability, and flexibility.
LED neon flex (also called flexible neon) uses an LED strip light enclosed in a shaped silicone or PVC housing to produce a uniform, continuous glow similar to traditional glass neon tubes. Key advantages over glass neon include: safe low-voltage operation (12V/24V DC vs 3-15kV), shatterproof construction, field-cuttable to custom lengths, IP67 waterproof versions available, 50,000+ hour lifespan, and no specialist installation required. Mihoray manufactures both silicone and PVC neon flex in top-bend, side-bend, and 360° round-emitting configurations. Applications include architectural facade outlines, commercial signage, landscape lighting, and decorative installations.
Should I Choose Silicone or PVC Neon Flex?
Silicone is recommended for outdoor and long-term installations (UV-resistant, -40°C to +80°C). PVC is suitable for indoor decoration and budget-sensitive projects.
Silicone neon flex offers superior UV resistance (no yellowing), wide temperature tolerance (-40°C to +80°C), maintained flexibility in cold weather, and 8-10 year outdoor service life. PVC neon flex costs 30-50% less but may yellow under prolonged UV exposure, becomes rigid below 0°C, and has a shorter outdoor lifespan (3-5 years). For permanent outdoor architectural projects, marine environments, and extreme climates, Mihoray recommends silicone as the standard material. PVC is acceptable for indoor commercial decoration, temporary event installations, and controlled-environment applications.
Neon Flex vs LED Strip: Which Should I Choose?
Neon flex for visible contour lines and uniform glow effects. LED strip for concealed cove lighting, task lighting, and applications where the light source itself is hidden.
Neon flex and LED strip serve different design purposes. Choose neon flex when: the light fixture itself is the visual feature (contour outlines, signage, decorative shapes), you need a perfectly uniform glow visible from any angle, or the installation follows complex curves. Choose LED strip when: the light source is concealed (ceiling coves, under-cabinet), you need directional output (shelf lighting, display illumination), or maximum lumen efficiency is priority. Many projects use both: LED strips in coves for ambient illumination and neon flex on facades for architectural outlines. Mihoray manufactures both product families and can recommend the appropriate solution for each zone of a project.

Sourcing & OEM

How to Choose a Neon Flex Supplier?
Evaluate material quality (silicone vs PVC), IP testing procedures, aging test documentation, bending sample availability, and factory production capacity before selecting a neon flex supplier.
When choosing a neon flex supplier, verify: 1) Material specification — confirm silicone purity or PVC formulation with material test reports. 2) IP waterproof testing — request test videos and post-test insulation reports, not just IP rating claims. 3) Aging test duration — minimum 8-hour aging with documented current/voltage stability records. 4) Bending samples — request samples bent to your project radius to confirm no cracking or light leakage. 5) Production capacity — confirm SMT lines, extrusion capability, and realistic lead times. 6) Export documentation — CE, RoHS, and project-specific certifications. Mihoray provides all verification materials including factory visit arrangements, third-party test reports, and engineering samples matched to project specifications.
How to Choose an LED Strip Manufacturer in China?
Verify factory ownership, SMT capability, aging test procedures, waterproof process, batch consistency documentation, and export certification before selecting a Chinese LED strip manufacturer.
Selecting a reliable LED strip manufacturer in China requires verifying: 1) Factory ownership vs trading company — request factory photos, business license, and production line videos. 2) SMT capability — confirm pick-and-place machine quantity, reflow soldering, and PCB inspection equipment. 3) Aging test — verify test duration (8/12/24 hours), parameters monitored, and failure handling procedures. 4) Waterproof process — for IP-rated products, confirm silicone potting or nano-coating processes with post-test validation. 5) Batch consistency — request CCT/CRI data from multiple batches to confirm bin tolerance. 6) Export readiness — CE, RoHS, ISO9001 documentation and proper export packaging. Mihoray operates a 2,500㎡ facility with 3 SMT production lines, full QC pipeline, and serves 50+ countries with documented export processes.
Does Mihoray Support OEM and ODM?
Yes. Mihoray provides full OEM/ODM services including custom specifications, private labeling, project-specific packaging, and engineering support from prototype to mass production.
Mihoray offers comprehensive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) services for LED strip lights, neon flex, and linear lighting systems. OEM services include: private labeling, custom packaging, project-specific marking, and manufacturing to client specifications. ODM services include: product development from concept, custom tooling for new profiles, engineering samples, performance optimization, and certification support. The process typically follows: specification review → feasibility confirmation → engineering sample (1 week) → approval → mass production (1-2 weeks). Minimum order quantity is 500 meters for customized products. The company serves contractors, wholesalers, and lighting brands across 50+ countries with documented export processes.
What Is Mihoray's MOQ and Lead Time?
MOQ is 500 meters for customized products. Engineering samples deliver in 1 week. Mass production typically completes in 1-2 weeks depending on specification and volume.
Mihoray's minimum order quantity (MOQ) for customized LED strip and neon flex is 500 meters. For standard catalog products, smaller trial orders may be discussed. Lead time breakdown: engineering sample — 5-7 working days from specification confirmation, mass production — 7-14 working days from sample approval and deposit, shipping — varies by destination (sea freight 20-35 days to Europe/North America, air freight 5-7 days). For urgent projects, expedited production may be available at additional cost. The company operates 3 SMT production lines with scalable capacity to accommodate large orders without extended lead times.
What Certifications Does Mihoray LED Lighting Have?
CE, RoHS, and ISO9001 as standard. UL/ETL, SAA, and other market-specific certifications available on project basis.
Mihoray maintains CE marking (European conformity) and RoHS compliance (restriction of hazardous substances) as standard certifications for all LED strip and neon flex products. ISO9001 quality management system certification covers the manufacturing facility. For specific market requirements: UL/ETL for North America, SAA for Australia, and other regional certifications can be arranged on a project basis with associated lead time for testing laboratory submission. All certification documents are provided with shipment. Third-party test reports from recognized laboratories are available on request for large project tenders requiring independent verification.
How Do I Request a Sample from Mihoray?
Contact sales@mihoray.com with your project type, required specifications (CCT, CRI, IP, voltage), and application scenario. Engineering samples are delivered within 1 week.
To request an engineering sample from Mihoray: 1) Email sales@mihoray.com or use the website contact form with your project details. 2) Provide: target CCT, CRI requirement, IP rating, voltage (12V/24V), strip type (COB/SMD), length needed for evaluation, and application description. 3) Mihoray engineering confirms feasibility and sample specification within 24-48 hours. 4) Sample production and delivery within 5-7 working days. 5) Sample evaluation support including technical data, installation guidance, and comparison with specification requirements. Sample costs vary by product complexity and may be credited against bulk order. For project-specific custom samples (non-standard dimensions, special CCT, custom connectors), additional development time may be required.

Technical

What Is the Difference Between IP65 and IP67 LED Strip?
IP65 protects against water jets (suitable for bathrooms and covered outdoor areas), while IP67 withstands temporary submersion (required for exposed outdoor and ground-recessed installations).
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define the level of protection against water and dust. IP65 LED strips are protected against water jets from any direction — suitable for bathroom areas, covered terraces, and semi-exposed outdoor locations. IP67 strips can withstand temporary immersion in water (up to 1m for 30 minutes) — required for ground-recessed channels, exposed outdoor facades, and applications near water features. For outdoor architectural projects, Mihoray recommends IP67 as the minimum standard. All waterproof-rated strips undergo spray and immersion testing procedures before shipment, with insulation re-testing after water exposure.
What Is CRI in LED Lighting?
CRI (Color Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural light. CRI ≥90 is recommended for hospitality and retail; CRI ≥80 is standard for commercial applications.
CRI (Color Rendering Index) is a metric from 0 to 100 that measures how faithfully a light source renders the colors of objects compared to a reference illuminant (natural daylight or incandescent light = CRI 100). For LED strip lighting: CRI ≥80 is the minimum standard for commercial applications, CRI ≥90 is recommended for hospitality (hotels, restaurants), retail displays, and any space where accurate color perception matters (skin tones, fabrics, food). Higher CRI generally requires more sophisticated phosphor coating and may slightly reduce luminous efficacy. Mihoray supplies LED strips in both CRI ≥80 and CRI ≥90 options, with batch-level CRI documentation available for project verification.
Can LED Strip Be Used Outdoors?
Yes — IP67 or higher rated LED strips with silicone encapsulation are designed for outdoor architectural, landscape, and facade lighting applications.
LED strips can be used outdoors when properly rated and installed. For outdoor applications: IP67 is the minimum recommended rating (withstands temporary water immersion), silicone encapsulation is preferred over nano-coating for long-term weather exposure, UV-stable materials prevent yellowing, and aluminum profile mounting provides both thermal management and mechanical protection. Key considerations include: connector waterproofing at joints, adequate drainage to prevent standing water, thermal expansion allowance for long runs, and corrosion-resistant mounting hardware. Mihoray supplies outdoor-rated LED strips tested to IP67 standards with validated waterproof procedures and documented environmental aging performance.
How Much Power Does LED Strip Consume?
LED strip power consumption ranges from 4.8W/m (decorative) to 20W/m (high-output architectural). A typical hotel cove installation uses 9.6-14.4W/m.
LED strip power consumption depends on LED density, chip type, and drive current. Common ranges: 4.8W/m for basic decorative lighting, 9.6W/m for standard commercial applications, 14.4W/m for architectural coves and retail displays, and 20W/m for high-output applications requiring maximum brightness. For a 10-meter hotel room perimeter at 14.4W/m, total consumption is 144W — approximately 85% less than equivalent fluorescent solutions. When sizing power supplies, Mihoray recommends operating drivers at 80% rated load maximum for thermal headroom and extended lifespan.
What Color Temperature Should I Choose for LED Strip?
2700-3000K (warm white) for hotels and residential, 3500-4000K (neutral white) for offices and retail, 5000-6500K (cool white) for industrial and task lighting.
Color temperature (CCT) measured in Kelvin determines the 'warmth' or 'coolness' of white light. Guidelines by application: 2700K (very warm) for luxury hospitality and intimate dining, 3000K (warm white) for hotel rooms, residential, and relaxation areas, 3500K for retail displays where warm atmosphere and color accuracy are both needed, 4000K (neutral white) for offices, healthcare, and commercial environments requiring alertness, 5000-6500K (cool/daylight white) for industrial, warehouse, and task-focused areas. Mihoray supplies LED strips from 2700K to 6500K with tunable white options (CCT adjustable between warm and cool) available for premium hospitality projects.
What Dimming Options Are Available for LED Strip?
Common protocols: 0-10V (simple analog), DALI (digital addressable), DMX512 (entertainment/architectural), PWM (local), and TRIAC (mains-side). Protocol selection depends on control system.
LED strip dimming requires compatible drivers matched to the control protocol: 0-10V provides simple analog dimming suitable for basic residential and commercial projects. DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) enables individual addressing and is standard in modern hotels and commercial buildings. DMX512 offers 512-channel digital control for architectural, entertainment, and dynamic color applications. TRIAC works with existing mains dimmers but may cause flicker with some LED loads — primarily for retrofit residential use. PWM dimming at the driver output provides flicker-free low-level performance. Mihoray supplies drivers compatible with all major protocols and provides protocol matching recommendations based on the project's existing control infrastructure.
What Factors Affect LED Strip Lifespan?
Key factors: operating temperature, drive current, thermal management (aluminum profiles), power supply quality, and installation environment (humidity, dust).
LED strip rated lifespan (typically 50,000 hours L70) assumes optimal conditions. Factors that reduce actual lifespan: excessive operating temperature (every 10°C above rated Tc reduces life by approximately 50%), over-driving beyond rated current, poor thermal management (no heat sink in enclosed spaces), low-quality power supplies with voltage ripple causing accelerated aging, high humidity without adequate IP protection, and dust accumulation blocking heat dissipation. To maximize lifespan: mount on aluminum profiles for thermal management, operate drivers at 80% load, ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed cavities, and select appropriate IP rating for the environment. Mihoray's products are tested through 8-24 hour aging procedures to identify early failures before shipment.
Can LED Strip Be Cut to Custom Length?
Yes. LED strips have designated cutting points (every 25-100mm depending on type). Strips can be cut on site and reconnected using soldered joints or clip connectors.
All LED strips have designated cutting marks at regular intervals: 12V strips typically every 25mm (3 LEDs per segment), 24V strips every 50mm (6 LEDs per segment). Cutting at these marks maintains circuit integrity for the remaining strip. After cutting, sections can be reconnected using: soldered wire joints (most reliable, recommended for permanent installations), solderless clip connectors (convenient for accessible, reconfigurable installations), or factory-terminated connectors (for IP67 outdoor use). Mihoray also offers pre-cut and pre-wired services — strips cut to exact project lengths with factory-soldered connectors and waterproof terminations, reducing on-site labor and ensuring connection quality.

General

What Commercial Lighting Applications Does Mihoray Support?
Shopping malls, retail stores, office buildings, restaurants, entertainment venues, and mixed-use commercial developments with LED strip, neon flex, and linear lighting solutions.
Mihoray supplies LED lighting for diverse commercial applications: shopping mall common areas and circulation (linear LED in ceiling coves), retail store display and shelf lighting (high-CRI LED strip), restaurant and bar atmosphere (dimmable warm white COB strip), office perimeter and indirect lighting (neutral white linear systems), entertainment venue accent and dynamic lighting (RGBW/DMX strip and neon flex), facade and signage (IP67 neon flex), and mixed-use development common areas (integrated linear systems). The company provides application-specific recommendations including CCT, CRI, power density, control protocol, and IP rating tailored to each commercial environment. Project case studies including Futian City Plaza demonstrate Mihoray's capability in large-scale commercial lighting delivery.